clout list

plural clout lists

1. USidiomaticethicsA usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.

   Gov. Blagojevich's office kept a clout list of hundreds of state employees recommended by lobbyists, lawmakers and major fund-raisers.

   2006 May 17, Chris Fusco, Dave McKinney, “Governor's office kept clout list”, in Chicago Sun-Times, retrieved 05 Jun 2009

   2 more examples

   By the way, joining Ronan in the move from "10 worst" to the clout list is his on-and-off nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago).

   1991 July 7, Thomas Hardy, “To make clout list, it's not what you know, but who you know”, in Chicago Tribune, page 4

   The University of Illinois announced Monday that it will temporarily suspend the use of a clout list in the admissions process—a practice school officials first downplayed after it was described in a Tribune investigation.

   2009 June 2, Stacy St. Clair, Jodi S. Cohen, “Clout Goes to College: Clout list put on suspension”, in chicagotribune.com, retrieved 05 Jun 2009